The In- charge of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Richard Muhabwe has commended the communities adjacent of Mount Mgahinga National Park for coming together to put out a weekend fire that caused significant damage to the park.
The burning flames that were visible on Sunday night could been seen from as far as Rukirebuga, a residential suburb in Kisoro Municipality.
Muhabwe says the extent of the damage has not fully been established as mapping of the affected area is still being carried out.
According to Muhabwe, the fire was started by unknown people and authorities have begun hunting for them.
The gutted areas include Nyagisenyi, Koranya and Muremure.
“We would like to appreciate all the people who came out of their homes at night to assist the UWA rangers to put out the fire, without your support, more damage could have been done to the protected area, Muhabwe said
Mount Mgahinga National Park is home to the endangered mountain Gorillas.
Relatedly, the Kisoro district Police Brigade O.C Friday Basera has cautioned owners of Schools and other learning institutions to desist installing burglar proof on class room windows because it can be used as an escape route in case of a fire outbreak.
The comments come at a time when fire outbreaks across the country are on the rise.
Basera explained that the most common reason for fire outbreaks in Kisoro is human error.
“Most fires in Kisoro are caused by people failing to properly put out cigarettes, leaving children to play with match sticks and burning rubbish in a closed space and leaving it unattended, Basera said
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